That shock he had with the coal, as I said before, has
broken his nerve, big man as he is."
"Hungerford," I said, "you do not generally croak, but you are earning
the character of the raven for yourself to-night. The thing is growing on
you. What IS the use of bringing up unpleasant subjects? You are an old
woman." I fear there was the slightest irritation in my voice; but, truth
is, the last few days' experiences had left their mark on me, and
Hungerford's speech and manner had suddenly grown trying.
He stood for a moment looking at me with direct earnestness from under
his strong brows, and then he stepped forward, and, laying his hand upon
my arm, rejoined: "Do not be raw, Marmion. I'm only a blunt, stupid
sailor; and, to tell you God's truth, as I have told you before, every
sailor is superstitious--every real sailor. He can't help it--I can't. I
have a special fit on me now. Why don't I keep it to myself? Because I'm
selfish, and it does me good to talk. You and I are in one secret
together, and it has made me feel like sharing this thing with a pal, I
suppose."
I seized his hand and begged his pardon, and called myself unpleasant
names, which he on the instant stopped, and said: "That's all right,
Marmy; shake till the knuckles crack! I'm off.
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